Francesco Guidolin has revealed he realised he had connected with Swansea City fans when they sang his name during last week’s 4-1 victory at West Ham.
The Italian has signed a two-year contract to remain as manager after convincing the club he was a better option than returning to former boss Brendan Rodgers.
Chairman Huw Jenkins confirmed on Wednesday that talks had been held with Rodgers about a return to the Liberty Stadium, but he insisted Guidolin had been kept informed of those discussions and that the 60-year-old former Udinese manager was always their preferred choice.
Guidolin made an emotional scripted speech at the club’s awards dinner on Wednesday night – thanking his players for steering the Swans away from the relegation zone and up to mid-table.
He also told supporters: “When I heard my name being sung at the West Ham game, then I finally knew I had created a link with the fans. It felt very emotional.
“It was a wonderful moment for me, because this is a very special club. I am honoured to be carrying on here as manager and very happy.
“We can look forward to next season and I know we have the good wishes of everyone I meet on the streets of Swansea.”
Guidolin has managed to take 24 points from seven wins and three draws during his 15 matches in charge – including six victories in their last 10 games – a return good enough to convince Jenkins and his board to stick with the status quo, rather than risk a return to Rodgers.
He added: “I came into the club at a difficult time and it was my first experience of the Premier League. Now I have the possibility to start my work at the beginning of a new season – something I’m excited about.”
Gylfi Sigurdsson scooped four awards at the end-of-season dinner – picking up
the Away Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Supporters’ Player of the Year awards.
Sigurdsson also won the top goalscorer award in a joint effort alongside Andre Ayew, with both players tied on 11 goals heading into Sunday’s final Premier League game against Manchester City.
Ayew himself also picked up an award by being crowned Best Newcomer after a positive first season.
Goal of the Season went to Jack Cork for his strike in the 3-1 home win over Liverpool.
Young defender Stephen Kingsley – who made his third top-flight appearance in last weekend’s win over West Ham – was named as the club’s Under-21s Player of the Year.
Modou Barrow picked up the Young Player of the Year award after the Gambian international made 22 appearances for the Swans in all competitions.
There was also a Lifetime Achievement Award given to Alan Curtis, in recognition of his 44-year contribution to the club, which included vital spells in charge of the first team after Garry Monk’s sacking in December and during the period Guidolin was absent through illness.
Supporters’ Player of the Year (sponsored by the South Wales Evening Post)
Gylfi Sigurdsson
Players’ Player of the Year (sponsored by Exemplar Education)
Gylfi Sigurdsson
Best Newcomer (sponsored by AMMCOM)
Andre Ayew
Away Player of the Year (sponsored by Swansea City Travel Club)
Gylfi Sigurdsson
Young Player of the Year (sponsored by Travel House)
Modou Barrow
Top Goalscorer (sponsored by Budget Carpets)
Andre Ayew and Gylfi Sigurdsson
Goal of the Season (sponsored by Low Cost Vans)
Jack Cork v Liverpool (H)
Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by Swansea City Supporters Trust)
Alan Curtis
